Darby, a Free Spirit among the Wildflowers

Darby romping among the Partridge Pea and other Wildflowers on the Rails to Trails

Encountering a Runner with my Furry Companion, Darby

While Darby and I were out for an afternoon run this past weekend on the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park, on the return leg of an out-and-back, we approached a fellow runner. 

As she got closer, I observed what appeared to be an expression of recognition on her face. So I immediately went into "Do I know her?! I don't know her?! Maybe I should know her!" mode. 

As we got within a few yards of one another, she pulled to a stop and asked, "Is that Darby?" I must have appeared bemused when I affirmed that it was. She proceeded to tell me that she had recently moved here from Hoover and had come across this blog while in search of places to run. She had read the blogs featuring Darby at Black Creek Park and on the Rails to Trails.

So recent transferee from Hoover, if you're still visiting here, we hope you enjoy our little stretch of woods, and Darby and I are glad to have met you!

Violets on the Rails to Trails, Black Creek Park

Although there a now hundreds of violets, and assorted other flowers, that litters the side of Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails, these were the first that I observed, as late Winter evolved into early Spring several weeks ago.

More Blue Were the Reflections at Black Creek

The later the day got, the deeper and more blue were the reflections on this early Spring day

at Black Creek, near Black Creek Park in Fultondale, Alabama.

Early Spring Reflections at Black Creek

Reflections in Early Spring at Black Creek, near Black Creek Park, Fultondale

Darby at Full Speed, Ears Flailing at the Rails to Trails

Even when running at full speed, ears flapping furiously, the apparent smile on Darby's face gives evidence to the notion that this creature knows how to soak in life's simple pleasures. On this day that included swimming in Black Creek, hiking in the woods, hopping through piles of leaves, and running the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park, all of which gave rise to the need for a bath (in which Darby found no pleasure).

Darby Navigating the Waters at Black Creek Park

In keeping with recent Darby-themed posts, my Golden Retriever and I recently went on a walk at Black Creek Park, at which one of us could not help but navigate and submerge herself into the creek's still-frigid waters.

Withstanding the Dreary Winter Weather with Darby

Despite the beatdown that I and many other reasonable people like me feel winter to be, there are those among us who inexplicably thrive for the cold temperatures and blustery winds. During no other time of year does Darby seem to have more life and vivacity than when the mercury in the thermometer plummets and she gets to put that fur coat to good use.

Withstanding the Winter with Darby on the Rails to Trails

at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, Alabama

Other photos and videos of Darby, from puppyhood to present, can be found here.

Low Winter Sun on the Rails to Trails, Fultondale

As the winter sun daily rises lower in the southern sky, the splashes of color that the are landmark of autumn's arrival begin to peter out and become scarce. The shadows deepen and the light takes on a colder hue.

A low winter Sun illuminates that last Autumn Colors

on the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park, Fultondale, Alabama

Spring Has Sprung and Fall Has Fell, Part 3

In order to make sure credit is given where it is due, I must recognize that this photograph would not have been taken had not Darby gotten a wild hair about her and taken off down a side trail on Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails. There is seemingly no accounting for her urges, but once in a while, I find myself grateful for them.

White Oak Leaves Lying Nestled on the Forest Floor in Fultondale, Alabama

Also found in the "Flora" Gallery, here

Spring Has Spring and Fall Has Fell, Part 2

The last vestiges of Color cling to a Sweetgum Leaf amidst a dreary Winter Pallet

on the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, Alabama

Spring Has Spring and Fall Has Fell, Part 1

A Sweetgum Leaf stands out against the seasonal carnage in late Autumn

on the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, Alabama

This photo can be found in the "Flora" gallery, here.

Honey Bee Wrapping up the Summer Harvest

Honey Bee Wrapping up the Summer Harvest on the Rails to Trails at Black Creek Park

Blue Morning Glory Blooming in Early Autumn

Last of the Morning Glory blooming in early Autumn

at Black Creek Park, in Fultondale, Alabama

Family Outing on a Hazy Morning, Rails-to-Trails

Family Outing in the Cool, Hazy Light of an Early, Autumn Morning

at the Rails-to-Trails at Black Creek Park, Fultondale, Alabama

Early Morning Run with Rosco on the Rails-to-Trails

As a disclaimer, I have no actual knowledge whether the pup featured here running with its owner on the Rail-to-Trails at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, is actually named Rosco. In fact the odds are likely against, but it did bring some appreciable consonance  to the title. And as may have become readily apparent to regular readers of the blog, I'm a sucker for some consonance.

Runner and Canine Companion Running on the Rails-to-Trails, Fultondale, Alabama

Father and Son Traversing the Rails-to-Trails

Father and Son Walking and Bicycling on the 

Rails-to-Trails in Fultondale, Alabama

Adventures with Darby: Sniffing It Out at Black Creek

There is little in life that Darby enjoys more that trouncing along Black Creek in Fultondale, Alabama. From swimming to drinking to chasing anything that moves, Darby is at home here as in her own bed.

Adventures with Darby: Focusing on the Droplets

Adventures with Darby: Smelling like the Scenery

There is something peculiar and innate with Darby that compels here to roll around in strange foreign substances in an attempt to acquires their foul stenches. And as much as I want to curb this behavior, few activities seem to bring her greater joy than knowing she now stinks as badly as whatever that was that she found.

Darby rolling in a Foreign Substance at Black Creek in Fultondale, Alabama